The New Moon Solar Eclipse 28º Aquarius Decan 3 on February 17th 2026. Aspect: Uranus square Sun and Moon. Tarot Card: Seven of Swords. Essential oils: Ginger, Neroli and Cinnamon.
Happy New Moon in Aquarius, total solar eclipse and Lunar New year of the Fire horse. This is a great opportunity to revamp our new moon resolutions as we move closer to the astrological new year on the Spring Equinox.
That sense of fresh beginnings that every New Moon brings, is magnified by the total solar eclipse in Aquarius, a new moon on steroids. Eclipses are Uranian by nature, they bring serendipity, breakthroughs, and wake up calls, that draw us out of stagnant comfort zones and help to break old, unhelpful patterns and habits that no longer serve us. At this Solar Eclipse, we can align to our timeline, open a new door and set a new scene for our ever-evolving life story. As Uranus is the modern- day ruler of Aquarius, the change-making effects of this eclipse are intensified. Eclipses play out in our lives for many months and years later; they are cyclical events that that have been building for some time, not just one day. Look back to what was happening for you around 19 years ago, a nodal eclipse cycle time length, and see how that time is echoing what is happening now.
Solar Eclipse Aquarius Spiritual Meaning
The eclipse’s guiding planet of Aquarius is Uranus, the planet of innovation and the collective consciousness. An Aquarius seeks through friendships and groups to be part of a greater whole. At this Aquarius New Moon Solar Eclipse, we can move the goal post of our usual boundaries and limitations, think outside the box and allow fresh new perspectives to breeze into our minds. There is an innovative, inventive and unpredictable vibe to this New Moon with Uranus the awakener playing a starring role, in square aspect to the Sun and Moon. Serendipity is at play and we need to make some room for the unknown to manifest the new.
Be ready for some surprises and new insights from the collective consciousness, follow those intuition hunches and brainwaves. It is the time for setting our 2026 vision. The themes for this new moon eclipse is: all things relating to groups that we are a part of, social networks, our friends and community. It’s a time for widening those circles, making breakthroughs and discovering new perspectives in these areas of life so we can reach out and share our gifts with the world. We can set intentions at this time to be part of a greater whole through our friends, connections and groups that we are a part of.
Aquarius decan 3 ruled by the Moon and Venus. (Libra Triplicity)
It brings the confrontation of the old with the new, so this is the most revolutionary and edgy decan of Aquarius. The Sun travels through the goat, the foal, the water-bearer, the swan and the male water-snake from approximately February 9 to 18.
This decan marries the swan’s unbridled imagination (and libido) with the transformative spiralling tail of the sea-goat. Saturn rules both Aquarius and Capricorn and is the last planet one can see with the naked eye, so it has no illusions and is plain speaking.
This is Aquarius at its most scientific and sceptical, but at the same time is open to exploring other realms, it just needs to test them out first. This testing is very marked in everything they do. Aquarian decan 3 test limits, push boundaries and most of all test peoples patience. The goat’s influence here is at its most capricious and devilish, mainly because of the swan’s poetic influence and the fact it is also ruled by two feminine planets. This means we have a nice balance of masculine, left brain logic and feminine right brain imagination.
These are the flirty Aquarians, the ones with a “horny” sex drive and seductive pan pipes since the sea-goat was originally the god Pan. The swan is artistic, the male water-snake is sleazy and the goat loves a good romp, so Aquarius decan 3 is a bohemian hedonist and seducer. This decan works so hard, it believes it has also earned itself the right to play hard too. Aquarian decan 3 can be skittish and playful like the foal.
Very often Aquarius decan 3 lives on a knife-edge, they are the revolutionary and activist on the frontline of change. These people are the innovators, the breakers of moulds and societies catalysts for change. A restless, experimental, inventive mind will bring success in their career, but inevitably their personal life suffers.
Solar Eclipse Astrology
Sun square Uranus
When Sun squares Uranus in the sky our routines can be disrupted. In the world generally, the energy is chaotic, scattered and hard to organise. People are uncomfortable with adapting to the unexpected changes in plans. The mood is rebellious but does not have much purpose. So it can feel like people are shocking for the sake of being shocking. The inventive side of this aspect is somewhat lost because the energy is focused towards the outrageous. Egos are concerned with their individual needs rather than co-operating with others.
Moon square Uranus
Moon square Uranus in the sky can be volatile and moody. However, its electrical sparks inspire innovation and genius. This is an ideal time to let the sky-god channel through you. You might be surprised at your inventions as the moon rules the imagination. Your ideas might seem ‘Far out’, and they will be challenged. However, in time they will be accepted, so don’t give up! You might feel rejected by the common people, but it’s the outliers that usually have the most original and unusual ideas. So dare to be different and reap the rewards in the future.
Sun Conjunct Venus
Sun conjunction Venus in the sky is the perfect seed moment for relationships. If you want to take a budding romance to the next level then this little number will help. The combination is perfect for creating the right ambience for seduction. Sun conjunct Venus brings harmony to all sorts of connections and will help soothe any friction between couples. Don’t forget the combustion effect (See below), try to aim as close to an exact conjunction to seal any deals. You can also wait until Venus is over 8º from the Sun. However, if you can handle the love drama, go right ahead!
Moon Conjunction Venus
Moon conjunction Venus transit in the sky begs you to indulge yourself. It’s a soft and slushy aspect perfect for a romantic night in. The pampering energy lends itself to spa weekends with the girls or a having ‘Rom Com’ sleepover with your best female friend. Sociable gathering do well under this aspect as everyone is sensitive to the needs of others and are more likely to co-operate. The only negative is over indulgence and possibly a touch of love addiction. But it’s a great conjunction for first dates, candlelit dinners and kissing under the moonlight. If you are single you might feel sentimental or nostalgic over a past love affair at this time.
Saturn conjunct Neptune at 0º Aries
Saturn conjunct Neptune at 0 degrees is incredibly rare, in fact the last time it happened was over 6,000 years ago! 0 degrees heralds a brand new era and new beginning of historical significance.
The universe is asking you about the importance of spiritual values. This is a time for resetting your dreams and ideals. You are being asked to confront your fears, self- talk and weaknesses that are preventing you from aligning to your true purpose. Saturn is the planet of defences and boundaries and Neptune is the planet that dissolves boundaries. The experience of this transit is a spiritual, mystical one when, at best you are truly able to marry the intuitive, spiritual vision with practical, everyday reality.
What the Solar eclipse February 2026 means for your sign
Manifestation Tools for the Solar Eclipse
The tarot card associated with The eclipse decan is the seven of swords. ~ This card is about plotting and can be quite sneaky. Successive past lives may have placed the native into such dire circumstances that they may have resort to breaking the law to survive. These folk learnt to live by their wits and built up a persona of the charming rogue.
“Being resourceful, thinking on your feet and trying to outsmart your opponent or competitor is part and parcel of everyday life and there are times when we all have to try to get into someone’s head to find out what it is that makes them tick…. They spend a long time getting to know their opponent by watching and analysing their tactics so that they can go out and play a psychological game.”~ Teachmetarot. This fits with the ‘testing’ tendencies that this decan displays generally.
Essential Oils for Aquarius Solar Eclipse
Ginger, Neroli (orange blossom) and Cinnamon are my choices for the Aquarius solar eclipse.
It is the circulation, blood and nervous system that is Aquarius ruled. The part of the body associated with Aquarius is the ankles and calves. The Water bearers can suffer with circulation, varicose veins, strains and sprains in this area and leg and ankle cramps. Aquarius is a fixed air sign, who spends a lot of time in the realm of the mind. They exert lots of energy mentally and often have problems sleeping, so they need to make sure they restore and recharge.
This makes Ginger essential oil an ideal choice for the water bearer. Ginger helps to bring you to find balance through connecting you to your root chakra. It is great for circulation and mental fatigue as well as being emotionally uplifting and warming. It is a powerful aphrodisiac too. Add 3 drops to your bath for a restorative bathing experience. Create a warming, energising massage blend by adding a drop of ginger and petitgrain to your base oil.
Neroli is the classic anti stress remedy for Aquarius. Not only is it an exquisite scent when worn as a perfume but is a powerful nerve tonic which has an uplifting effect spiritually and mentally. As a sleep aid, add to your base oil and pay special attention to Aquarius ruled ankles and legs. As an alternative, you can use citrus oil Petitgrain, which has similar effects to Neroli.
Cinnamon is an ancient spice with analgesic and protective properties. It is good for heart health and circulation, making this is perfect essential oil for Aquarius. Cinnamin is a very potent oil though and is best diffused, rather than added to a massage blend. It is wonderful essential oil for your diffuser or oil burner, with its immune boosting properties.
Always do a skin test for oils you’ve never used, in the unlikely event of an allergy. To do this, add a drop to the back of your wrist, via a cotton bud, apply a plaster and wait for 24 hours. There are some oils which are fine to use during pregnancy, though lots of them aren’t. Please check before use. Oh and do not ingest or apply the oils neat.
Goddess Hebe Artwork by Marina Marchione at Heavenly & Holy on Etsy
Three Ways to Support Yourself During the Eclipse
- Embrace Change and Set New Intentions ~ Use this powerful eclipse energy to reflect on your goals, especially those related to friendships, groups, and community. Set intentions that align with your true purpose and collective aspirations.
- Nurture Your Wellbeing ~ Pay attention to your physical and mental health. Rest, recharge and ground out. Consider using recommended essential oils (Ginger for grounding and circulation, Neroli for stress relief a sleep, Cinnamon for heart health) to support your body and mind.
- Expand Your Social Circles ~ Reach out to friends, join new groups, and participate in community activities. This eclipse favours widening your network and sharing your talents with others, helping you feel part of a greater whole.
Three Things to Be Mindful Of
- Expect the Unexpected ~ Uranus’s influence means routines may be disrupted and surprises are likely. Be flexible and open to change, even if plans don’t go as expected.
- Watch for Overindulgence and Restlessnes ~ The energy can be unpredictable and may lead to overindulgence (especially in social or romantic contexts) or a restless mind. Balance play and work, and avoid excess.
- Be Aware of Emotional Sensitivity ~ You may feel more sensitive or even rebellious, and relationships could experience friction. Practice patience, communicate openly, and avoid impulsive reactions
Eclipse Key Words and Summary
- Encourages thinking outside the box, embracing new perspectives, and expanding social circles.
- Focus on groups, friendships, and community involvement—ideal for setting intentions related to collective goals and sharing talents.
- The universe prompts reflection on spiritual values, dreams, and overcoming self-imposed limitations.
- This is a time to align with true purpose and integrate intuition with everyday life.
I’m very happy to welcome a new contributor to Darkstar Astrology. My longtime friend and Aquarian sister, Natalie Delahaye, will be taking over the writing of the Full and New Moon forecasts from now on. With our Suns conjunct at 2° Aquarius, it feels especially fitting to mark this collaboration with an Aquarian Solar Eclipse. This moment also coincides with the start of a Fire Horse year—beautifully resonant for me, as I was born in the Fire Horse year of 1966—making it feel like a symbolic new beginning all round. Darkstar has never had guest writers in its 16-year history, apart from its inception when I co-ran it with my astrologer partner Jamie Partridge. Since 2015, it’s been a solo project, so it genuinely feels lovely to have some company here at last!
About Natalie Delahaye
Natalie is an experienced astrologer and solution-focused hypnotherapist who brings a rich mix of teaching, and transformational work to her writing. She’s appeared on international and national platforms including CNN World News, radio, and major editorial publications, and has lectured for astrological institutions in the UK.
Natalie has taught and contributed at Jessica Adam’s Sun sign school where she explored a wide range of topics—from planetary symbolism and spiritual history to guided relaxation and sacred sites. Her work is grounded in empowering people to unlock their potential, align with their life path, and support personal healing, and she now uniquely combines astrology with hypnotherapy to offer deeply integrative insight to her readings. You can find Natalie at nataliedelahaye.com and on her Substack.
